The community of Ōtara-Papatoetoe is raising a toast to the new Local Alcohol Policy (LAP), which promises to pour a fresh wave of hope into efforts to curb the flood of cheap alcohol.
Following the recent Auckland LAP being approved by the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA), Auckland's mayor and councillors will now be asked to choose a date for the policy to come into force at a future meeting of the council's governing body.
Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina and the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board are glad their voices are being heard.
Filipaina says, “This is a big win for South Auckland thanks to input from the council, the Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board, and our residents.
"A two-year freeze on licenses would be a great step forward. I want to be clear, it’s not about stopping alcohol consumption but protecting our community from harm, tackling unfair sales practices, and supporting local decision-making and mental health.”
Delighted that the policy’s diligent move to extend alcohol regulation from town centres to corner shops, has board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia saying ‘cheers to that!’.
“Our people have asked us why other parts of Auckland don’t have as many alcohol stores? Hopefully the LAP will help our community get some power back over the type of stores we have in our areas,” says Apulu.
The policy was first developed in 2013 but has been tied up in the courts for almost an entire decade because of all the objections from businesses that sell liquor, including the major supermarket chains.
Apulu adds, “I am not against drinking alcohol – heck, I was once a young person and would enjoy going to parties with family and friends where alcohol would be present. But we don’t need so many alcohol stores at most corner shops. We don’t have fruit stores at every corner of our neighbourhoods.”
Councillor Josephine Bartley is Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, and says the policy is a big step forward for communities, bringing in some important changes that will help to reduce alcohol harm.
“I’m proud that we are taking this step for our communities. It’s a big move in the council’s commitment to minimise the harm that alcohol can cause to people,” she says.
What will change under the new policy?
The policy has been designed in partnership with residents, community groups and local boards, as well as stakeholders representing businesses and public health organisations. It has been through a full public consultation process, with opportunities to make submissions.
If brought into effect by the council, it will mean that:
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applications for new bottle shops in the city centre and 23 other suburbs in Auckland are very likely to be rejected for the next two years (unless they meet a very high threshold)
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bottle shops and supermarkets across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will need to stop selling alcohol no later than 9pm. There will be a three-month grace period before this measure comes into effect after the policy is publicly notified
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bars, restaurants and other on-licences permitted by the District Licensing Committee will be able to sell alcohol until no later than 4am in the city centre, and 3am outside of the city centre
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sports clubs and RSAs permitted by the District Licensing Committee will be able to sell alcohol until no later than 1am
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special licences for festivals and events will continue to be assessed by the District Licensing Committee, as they are now.
The local alcohol policy is due to go to the mayor and councillors on 29 August, however this is not yet confirmed. You can check the council’s Agendas and Minutes page for information on meeting agendas near the date of the meeting.
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